Michael J. Warner has spent more than 50 years representing injured individuals and families in some of the most complex and high-stakes personal injury cases. Over the course of his career, he has built a reputation among peers and opponents alike for his legal precision, unwavering ethics, and commanding presence in the courtroom.
From the outset, Mr. Warner has approached every case with the same core belief: that people harmed by negligence deserve not just representation, but a relentless advocate. That commitment has only deepened over time. Today, he continues to pursue cases involving construction and trucking accidents, motor vehicle collisions, and other serious injury matters with the same intensity and purpose that has defined his career. His work has resulted in numerous seven-figure settlements and substantial verdicts against those responsible for causing injury or wrongful death.
Mr. Warner’s work includes highly specialized and complex cases, particularly auto, trucking, and product liability. He collaborates with attorneys across the country to stay current on evolving science and litigation strategy.
In addition to his work in the courtroom, Mr. Warner has remained closely involved in the development of the law itself. He has long been active with the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, where he has contributed in leadership roles and helped shape discussions around trial practice and advocacy. He was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve on both the Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions Committee—where he later served as Chair—and a Special Committee on Illinois Evidence, helping guide both the instructions given to juries and the rules that govern what evidence they may consider.
A steadfast defender of the right to trial by jury, Mr. Warner is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, as well as the states of Illinois and Iowa.
Bar Admissions
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United States Supreme Court (2007)
United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois (1973)
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (1971)
State of Illinois (1971)
State of Iowa (2010)
Professional Associations & Committees
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Special Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Illinois Evidence (2008 – )
Illinois Supreme Court Pattern Jury Instructions (Civil) Committee (2001- ) (Chair 2011- )
Capital Litigation Trial Bar Screening Committee (June 2002- 2006 )
Illinois Bar Foundation’s Board of Directors (December, 2015 – )
Rock Island County Bar Association (1971- )
Illinois State Bar Association
Assembly (1981-1988)
Professional Conduct Committee (1978 – 1991)
Standing Committee on Judicial Evaluation (1992 – 1996)
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Board of Managers (1983 – 2004)
Parliamentarian (1997 – 1998)
Secretary (1998 – 1999)
American Association for Justice (1975 – ) (ATLA STALWART)
American Bar Association (2005 – 2008)
U.S. Court of Federal Claims Bar Association (2003 – )
Education
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University of Illinois (B.A., 1968)
Chicago-Kent College of Law (J.D., 1971)
Experience
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Warner & Zimmerle (2012 – present)
Michael J. Warner & Associates (2002 – 2012)
Warner & Salabert (1999 – 2002)
Warner & Associates (1995 – 1999)
Braud/Warner (1972 – 1995)
State’s Attorneys Office
Rock Island County, IL (1971 – 1972)
Publications & Seminars Conducted
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Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Education Fund
Review & Update-Topics of Interest Seminar
Updated Rules of Evidence (March 5, 2011)
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Education Fund New Illinois Rules of Evidence Seminar
Modernization, Hearsay, Rule 801 and Beyond (December 4, 2010)
Rock Island County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Effect of Criminal Proceedings on later Civil Actions (October 30, 2009)
Rock Island County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Federal Tort Claims Act (October 10, 2008)
Illinois State Bar Association – Hot topics for the General Practitioner
Requests to Admit (April 4, 2008)
Rock Island County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Tort Law Review and Update (October 5, 2007)
Rock Island County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Illinois Supreme Court Case Updates (October 6, 2006)
Scott County Bar Association
Illinois Medical Malpractice Act of 2005 (December 15, 2005)
Scott County Bar Association – Last Chance Seminar (December 10, 2004)
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Education Fund
Medical Malpractice Seminar – Presenting Damages (December 7, 2002)
IPT Risk Management Meeting (September 18, 1998)
Plaintiff’s Trial Strategies
ITLA Seminar
Liens & Subrogation Interests (May 5, 1997)
Rock Island County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Tort Reform (June 30, 1995)
Thirteenth Annual ITLA Convention
The Illinois Limitations Act (June 6, 1985)
Rock Island County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Wrongful Death (January 31, 1985)
Publication:
Holten vs. Memorial Hospital; Last Chance Doctrine – Is there a need for an instruction? ITLA Trial Journal, Volume 5, November 2 – Summer 2003
Civic & Charitable Organizations
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Mississippi Valley Alzheimer Association – Board of Directors (1997 – 2001)
Moline F.C. Soccer Club
Team “77” Coordinator (1993 – 1994)
Rock Island County “708” Mental Health Board (76 – 79)
President (78 – 79)